After a car accident, it doesn’t take long before you hear from an insurance adjuster. If you don’t have an attorney representing you, you’re what the industry calls a “pro se” claimant — someone navigating the claims process on your own. What many people don’t realize is that even without a lawyer in your corner, adjusters are legally and ethically obligated to treat you fairly. The problem is, those obligations are rarely explained to the people they’re designed to protect.
Washington Law Requires Good Faith
In Washington State, insurance companies must follow specific rules governing how they handle claims. Under Washington Administrative Code (WAC 284-30), insurers are required to acknowledge your claim promptly, investigate it thoroughly, and make a fair settlement offer within a reasonable time. They cannot misrepresent the facts of your accident, the terms of the insurance policy, or the value of your claim. They cannot pressure you into accepting a low settlement by creating artificial urgency or withholding information you’re entitled to know. Washington’s Insurance Fair Conduct Act goes further, giving injured people the right to sue an insurer that unreasonably denies or delays payment of a valid claim. These aren’t just professional courtesies — they are legal requirements.
What Adjusters Cannot Do
Despite these protections, certain tactics are common when dealing with unrepresented claimants. Be aware that adjusters are prohibited from:
- Advising you not to hire an attorney or suggesting it isn’t worth it
- Making statements designed to discourage you from pursuing your full claim
- Offering a settlement before you’ve finished treating or understand the full scope of your injuries
- Misrepresenting how much coverage is available under the at-fault driver’s policy
If an adjuster tells you that a low offer is “standard,” “what we can do,” or that your injuries “don’t warrant” more — those statements may themselves be violations.
Your Injuries May Be Worth More Than You Think
In the days and weeks after a crash, the full picture of your injuries is rarely known. Soft tissue damage, concussions, and disc injuries often worsen over time. A fair settlement accounts for all of your medical treatment — past and future — along with lost wages, pain and suffering, and the impact the injury has had on your daily life. Once you sign a release, the claim is closed permanently. There’s no going back.
You Have Options
If you’re handling a bodily injury claim on your own, take the time to understand what you’re entitled to before agreeing to anything. An initial consultation with a personal injury attorney costs you nothing and can help you understand whether what’s being offered is fair. At Philbrook Law, Accident and Injury Lawyers, we’re motivated to make a difference and proud of the work we do — including helping people understand their rights before it’s too late to protect them.
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